Our schools provide opportunities that go beyond academics, offering extensive extracurricular options. We believe such opportunities develop the whole person, cultivate new interests, and help to unlock the talents of our students. Each school offers a unique array of programs for its student body.
DECATS (DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars) Austin, formerly known as Austin DEEP, is a three-week program that occurs in June to provide exciting opportunities for gifted students. DECATS was formed through the financial generosity of Mr. Manuel DeBusk and DeBusk Foundation in 1994 and there are operating camps in Houston, Dallas, Sugarland, Tyler, Austin. DECATS was brought to the Austin area in 2008 and is supported by the Diocese of Austin. This course is a tiered approach to help Scholars learn more about themselves as they enhance their leadership and critical thinking skills. The mission of DECATS Austin is to provide a fulfilling enrichment experience to all Catholic school students enrolled in grades 3-5 who qualify.
Learn more about DECATS Austin
While it's not a diocesan program, many of our schools participate in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) whose mission is to to use sports and recreational activities as a ministry to foster and encourage the youth of Central Texas to grow closer to Jesus Christ and build virtuous servant leaders through the Four Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude.
Learn more about CYO CTX
Catholic Schools encourage sportsmanship through different athletic leagues. Some of the sports programs offered throughout our schools include:
The Diocesan Art Show is an opportunity for our Catholic school students to showcase their art project.
Students and educators from secondary schools in the Diocese of Austin have collaborated to develop a platform that helps students understand issues facing Texas, learn about state legislation being developed and discussed, understand and model respectful, civil discourse, and learn who represents them at the state level. A Starting Point for Texas Students was inspired by A Starting Point which is a video-based civic engagement platform with a mission to create a bipartisan channel of communication and connectivity between Americans and their elected officials with the goal of creating a more informed electorate.
Learn more about A Starting Point for Texas Students